NURS 180 PHARMACOLOGY WEEK 11
COMPREHENSIVE QUIZ
1. A patient is prescribed Insulin Lispro (Humalog) to be administered at 0730. When is the
patient at the highest risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. Between 0830 and 0930
B. Between 0745 and 0800
C. Between 1030 and 1230
D. Between 1400 and 1600
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with a peak action of 30
to 90 minutes. Administering it at 0730 means the peak risk for hypoglycemia occurs
between 0800 and 0900.
2. Which laboratory value must the nurse monitor most closely for a patient receiving
Metformin (Glucophage) who is scheduled for an IV contrast CT scan?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. Serum Potassium
C. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
,D. Serum Sodium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment.
IV contrast can cause acute renal failure, which significantly increases the risk of
Metformin-induced lactic acidosis.
3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which instruction
is most critical for the nurse to provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure maximum absorption.
B. Take the medication with a full meal to prevent GI upset.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
D. Mix the medication with a calcium supplement to improve bone density.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food and minerals like
calcium or iron. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for consistent
absorption.
4. A nurse is reviewing the adverse effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which clinical finding
should the nurse prioritize reporting to the provider?
A. Increased appetite
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
, C. Sore throat and fever
D. Cold intolerance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening adverse effect of
PTU. Patients must report signs of infection such as sore throat or fever immediately.
5. A patient is receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP) for the treatment of Diabetes Insipidus.
Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Decreased blood glucose levels
B. Increased urine specific gravity
C. Increased serum sodium levels
D. Decreased serum potassium levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Desmopressin acts as an antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
replacement, causing the kidneys to reabsorb water, which increases urine concentration
(specific gravity) and decreases urine output.
6. What is the black box warning associated with the use of Pioglitazone (Actos)?
A. Risk of acute liver failure
B. Risk of lactic acidosis
C. Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
COMPREHENSIVE QUIZ
1. A patient is prescribed Insulin Lispro (Humalog) to be administered at 0730. When is the
patient at the highest risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?
A. Between 0830 and 0930
B. Between 0745 and 0800
C. Between 1030 and 1230
D. Between 1400 and 1600
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with a peak action of 30
to 90 minutes. Administering it at 0730 means the peak risk for hypoglycemia occurs
between 0800 and 0900.
2. Which laboratory value must the nurse monitor most closely for a patient receiving
Metformin (Glucophage) who is scheduled for an IV contrast CT scan?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. Serum Potassium
C. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
,D. Serum Sodium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment.
IV contrast can cause acute renal failure, which significantly increases the risk of
Metformin-induced lactic acidosis.
3. A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which instruction
is most critical for the nurse to provide regarding administration?
A. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure maximum absorption.
B. Take the medication with a full meal to prevent GI upset.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
D. Mix the medication with a calcium supplement to improve bone density.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Levothyroxine absorption is decreased by food and minerals like
calcium or iron. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for consistent
absorption.
4. A nurse is reviewing the adverse effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU). Which clinical finding
should the nurse prioritize reporting to the provider?
A. Increased appetite
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
, C. Sore throat and fever
D. Cold intolerance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening adverse effect of
PTU. Patients must report signs of infection such as sore throat or fever immediately.
5. A patient is receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP) for the treatment of Diabetes Insipidus.
Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Decreased blood glucose levels
B. Increased urine specific gravity
C. Increased serum sodium levels
D. Decreased serum potassium levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Desmopressin acts as an antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
replacement, causing the kidneys to reabsorb water, which increases urine concentration
(specific gravity) and decreases urine output.
6. What is the black box warning associated with the use of Pioglitazone (Actos)?
A. Risk of acute liver failure
B. Risk of lactic acidosis
C. Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
